Wreaths Across America

National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018. Volunteers will place more than 250,000 veterans’ wreaths on the headstones and niche columns throughout the cemetery.

Sponsorships are still needed to reach this goal. It cost $15 to sponsor a wreath for placement. The government does not provide these wreaths and without the support from grateful Americans it would be impossible to honor all the men and women laid to rest there.

The Metro will open at 7 a.m. on Wreath Day. The Blue Line has direct access to the Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery* and Rosslyn stops. The Yellow Line has direct access to the Pentagon stop.

Free shuttle buses will be made available from both Rosslyn and Pentagon stations to bring volunteers to Arlington National Cemetery for the event. We highly encourage you to plan ahead and prepare to either walk or take the shuttle to this year's event from these two locations.

9:30, WALK OVER: Connecting Vets will lead our group from the mall and start walking up Joyce Street to the Service Entrance at Arlington National Cemetery.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, WREATH LAYING: We will meet at section 64 at 10 a.m. and start laying wreaths. We should be wrapped by 11:30 a.m.

SECURITY: There will be added security this year at any entrance point at Arlington Cemetery. Please pack lightly as bags will be searched and you will need to walk through a magnetometer.

WEATHER/DRESS: The forecast isn’t ideal, but we are Ruggedeers. Dress in layers, it can get pretty drafty, especially in our section because of the hill. It goes without saying, but just so my bum is covered, this is hallowed ground, so please nothing you wouldn't wear in front of your grandmother.

GETTING HERE: The Wreaths Across America organizers are telling everyone to come in through the visitors center, but there will be around 70,000 people doing that, all at the same time. The Metro at Arlington National Cemetery is going to be packed and so will the parking situation. If you do choose to come this way give yourself about an hour to an hour and a half to get through traffic. Our section (64) is clear on the other side of the cemetery.

Schedule of Events for National Wreaths Across America Day at Arlington

Escort of Wreaths to arrive at the Cemetery at 7 a.m. If you would like to be there for the escort’s arrival, we recommend taking a taxi or Uber from the hotel to Memorial Drive prior to 6:30 a.m.

Security screening to begin at all gates at 7 a.m. All attendees will need to go through security before entering the cemetery.